Canada
AGA Urges Administration to Adjust Antiquated Slot Reporting Threshold as Part of Regulatory Reform Effort
The American Gaming Association (AGA) welcomed the Trump administration’s executive order to swiftly identify regulatory reform opportunities to help promote job creation and economic growth. America’s gaming industry has been among the most impacted sectors of the economy as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which required the temporary closure of all 989 commercial and tribal casinos throughout the country.
“As the gaming industry safely reopens and seeks to return to financial health, one critical area of regulatory reform the administration should consider is modernizing the $1,200 slot jackpot reporting threshold, which has been in place since 1977,” said Bill Miller, president and CEO of the American Gaming Association. “The current threshold is outdated and imposes significant compliance burdens on both the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the gaming industry.
“Last year, the AGA again encouraged the Department of Treasury to update the slot jackpot reporting threshold to a realistic level, in-line with inflation, such as $5,000. The increased threshold would not only enable the IRS to focus its limited enforcement resources on those taxpayers who are most likely to have net slot winnings at the end of the taxable year, but would also significantly reduce close interactions required between gaming employees and patrons to issue tax forms.
“This policy change, supported by bipartisan members of Congress, was already long overdue prior to the pandemic, and now has additional importance as the gaming industry emerges from this crisis.”
Background
- According to federal regulation, when a casino patron wins a slot machine jackpot of $1,200 or more, the machine is temporarily taken out of production while the patron is required to complete a W-2G tax reporting form.
- While slot jackpots have steadily increased with inflation over the past several decades, the $1,200 threshold that triggers the issuance of tax forms has remained static since it was established in 1977. A $1,200 jackpot in 1977 would be equivalent to more than $5,000 today if adjusted for inflation.
- Because the threshold hasn’t tracked with inflation, there has been a significant increase in the number of reportable jackpots, causing more operational inefficiencies and adding to the sea of W-2G forms currently flooding an underbudgeted and understaffed IRS each year.
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Hard Rock Digital announced the official launch of Hard Rock Bet in Ontario, Canada, marking the company’s first international market expansion and bringing its award-winning mobile sportsbook and online casino platform to players across the province.
Hard Rock Bet enters Ontario with a differentiated offering that combines a premium online sportsbook experience with one of the largest online casino selections in the market, featuring more than 3000 games, including top slots, table games, and live dealer content from leading providers. The platform delivers an intuitive player experience, fast deposits and withdrawals, and parlay wagering across fan-favorite sports from around the world. Ontario players will have access to exclusive Legendary Reward Drops at launch, as well as online Unity Points, which can be redeemed in the Hard Rock Bet Reward Store.
The Ontario launch reflects Hard Rock Digital’s commitment to building a truly local presence in Canada. Hard Rock Bet draws on the legacy of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, which has established itself as a trusted destination in the province. The company has an Ontario-based marketing team and a 24/7 local customer support operation to provide players with around-the-clock service.
“Expanding into Ontario with Hard Rock Bet marks the first time we’ve brought our platform to an audience outside the US. We’re excited to introduce Ontario players to a premium entertainment experience that reflects the energy and service synonymous with the Hard Rock brand. And by investing in local talent, local partnerships, and localized customer support, we’re creating an experience designed specifically for Ontario players,” said Marlon Goldstein, Executive Managing Director & CEO of Hard Rock Digital.
“Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa has the reputation of bringing people together for amplified entertainment experiences, and we’re excited to see that spirit extend into the digital space. The launch of Hard Rock Bet is a natural next step for the Hard Rock brand in Ontario, and we look forward to building on that connection with guests and players over time,” said Christine Crump, President of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa.
The launch will also be supported by connections to Toronto’s iconic music scene, including a collaboration with Canadian artist Choclair that remastered a celebrated 20-year-old track, “Let’s Ride,” to celebrate Hard Rock Bet’s arrival in Ontario.
Hard Rock Bet is available for download via iOS and Android and can also be played on desktop via HardRockBet.ca.
The post Hard Rock Bet Brings World-Class Sports Betting and Online Casino to Ontario appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Supplier says its slot content is live across most tier-one Alberta brands, extending its Canadian footprint to three provinces.
1X2 Network has gone live in Alberta, launching with seven operators in the province’s newly regulated iGaming market.
The supplier said the rollout covers the majority of Alberta’s tier-one brands. It added that its content has secured homepage placement across operator lobbies since the market opened, with Iron Dog Studio’s 3 Hot Chilli Peppers featuring on the homepages of most operators in the province.
The Alberta launch follows 1X2 Network’s existing presence in Ontario and Quebec. The company said Alberta will be treated as a core market for future game releases, with new titles included in its ongoing release schedule for the province.
Kevin Reid, Chief Executive Officer at 1X2 Network, said: “Going live in Alberta with seven operators is a fantastic start and a real milestone in our North American journey.
“North America is a primary focus for us this year, and Alberta is now a core market for everything we release. We’re excited to build on this momentum as we expand further across the region.”
The post 1X2 Network launches in Alberta iGaming market with seven operators appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
1X2 Network has deepened its commitment to North America by going live in Alberta, launching with seven operators in the province’s newly regulated iGaming market. The rollout spans the majority of Alberta’s tier-one brands and reinforces the supplier’s decision to make the region a primary focus for the year ahead.
Since the market opened, 1X2 Network content has secured prominent homepage placement across operator lobbies, giving its studios immediate visibility with Albertan players from day one. Leading the way is Iron Dog Studio’s 3 Hot Chilli Peppers, the network’s flagship title, which currently features on the homepages of most operators in the province.
The launch builds on the momentum 1X2 Network has established in Ontario and Quebec, where its content has resonated strongly with local players. On the back of that success, the supplier has confirmed Alberta as a core market for all future game releases, ensuring new titles reach Albertan players as part of its ongoing release schedule.
Alberta represents the latest step in a wider North American growth strategy, with its Canadian presence now spanning three provinces.
Kevin Reid, Chief Executive Officer at 1X2 Network, said: “Going live in Alberta with seven operators is a fantastic start and a real milestone in our North American journey.
“North America is a primary focus for us this year, and Alberta is now a core market for everything we release. We’re excited to build on this momentum as we expand further across the region.”
The post 1X2 Network goes live in Alberta as North American expansion gathers pace appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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